Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc.
Countess de Markievicz Division #1

Culture and History

Early Columbus LAOH HIstory

Armed with information provided by AOH members Mike Finn and Don Schlegal, LAOH members have been researching the early LAOH here in Columbus. In 1894, the AOH organized an auxiliary: the name was the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAAOH). There were several divisions organized soon after. Among the first LAAOH divisions was the one here in Columbus. Catherine Mooney Hart was the first president. So far, little is known about Kate. We are researching to find out as much as we can about Kate, as well as information on the LAAOH of Columbus.

One important piece of information is that there is no headstone on Kate's grave, like many other buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. She is buried in the same grave plot as several family members, including her husband, John.

Our division has planned a dedication ceremony which will take place on Saturday, October 2, 2010. Details are on the Projects page of this web site.

The LAOH in Columbus

The Franklin County Countess de Markievicz Division #1 was chartered in 1981 and named after the Irish patriot Countess Constance (Gore-Booth) de Markievicz. We are a small but dynamic group of women who enjoy working together to raise funds for charity and celebrating our faith and heritage.

We celebrate our Faith and our heritage in a variety ways. As lady Hibernians, we are required to receive Holy Communion between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday. We also hold a Memorial Mass for departed members at least once a year. We also observe five national holidays: St. Brigid’s Day February 1, St. Patrick's Day March 17, Independence Day July 4, Feast of Our Lady of Knock August 21 and the Feast of the Holy Innocents December 28. These holidays are usually celebrated by members attending Mass at a local church and then breaking bread together at a nearby restaurant.

In recent years, our division has supported a number of local charities and worthy causes––the Columbus Cancer Clinic, JOIN (Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs), The Salesians. We are a Community Partner of the Dublin Irish Festival. We support additional charities sponsored by the national LAOH.

Visit http://www.lissadellhouse.com/constance_history.php for some fascinating information about Constance Gore Booth and her early life at Lissadell House in County Sligo.

Our Lady of Knock

The Feast of Our Lady of Knock is celebrated on August 21. It is one of the "holidays" of the LAOH, that may be celebrated in a manner chosen by each division.

On a Thursday evening in 1879, two local women were walking home in the rain, they passed by the local church. As they looked up at the back wall of the church, they saw our Lady with St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist along with an altar with a lamb and a cross on it. They also noticed several angels flying around the altar. The women quickly called other villagers to come to the church. Thirteen people saw the apparition. The woman was clothed in brilliant white garments, her hands raised in prayer. The apparition was seen for two hours. During that time, our Lady spoke no words. There were many unexplained healings during visits to the church. The first was a young girl who had been born deaf and received the gift of hearing. By the end of 1880, over 300 cures were recorded in the parish priest's diary.

The apparitions gradually gained official Church support. Pope John Paul II visited this holy site in 1979. Over a million and half visitors come to the shrine annually.

Our Lady of Knock, pray for us.